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How is PAS's credibility faring vs UMNO's struggling defense of Malay values?
ZAID Ibrahim's recent endorsement of PAS' potential to uplift Malaysia has bolstered the party's image as a credible Islamic force.
The former minister praised PAS's 'moral clarity', stating, 'History has shown us that clerical leadership can steer nations through immense adversity.'
Just look at Iran. Guided by its Council of Guardians, religious scholars with deep ideological conviction, Iran not only survived but asserted its independence despite decades of war and crippling sanctions from global superpowers,' he said last week in a Facebook post.
This comparison to Iran's resilient leadership underscores PAS's ideological strength, which Zaid believes can elevate Malaysia if paired with good governance and inclusivity.
PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan welcomed this, emphasizing the party's commitment to morality and ethics, citing Western thinkers like Plato and Kant, and the UK's Seven Nolan Principles.
He asserted, 'This also justifies PAS' firm stance on the matter, which Zaid has acknowledged, particularly in terms of the party's leadership being free from corruption and corrupt practices.'
With 43 Dewan Rakyat seats and control over four states, PAS's growing influence contrasts sharply with UMNO's struggles.
Since losing power in 2018, UMNO has faced challenges in defending Malay race and religion.
UMNO secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki claimed, 'UMNO was born from the womb of a struggle rooted in safeguarding the sanctity of Islam, strengthening the dignity of the Malay race, and preserving the sovereignty of the homeland.'
Yet, he admitted the 22-month period post-2018 saw Islam 'belittled' and Malay agendas, like MARA's focus, undermined by policies favouring equality over Malay privileges.
UMNO's narrative of betrayal, exemplified by Asyraf's reference to ICERD and Statut Rom, paints rivals as opportunists who are 'selling our religion.'
However, UMNO's own credibility has been tarnished by corruption scandals pre-2018, weakening its moral authority compared to PAS's cleaner image.
While UMNO touts victories like the 2019 Cameron Highlands by-election, its broader appeal remains hampered by internal divisions and public distrust.
PAS's emphasis on ethical governance aligns with public demand for integrity, positioning it as a formidable alternative.
UMNO, despite its historical dominance, struggles to reclaim its role as the champion of Malay-Muslim interests, as its past governance failures overshadow its rhetoric. —June 22, 2025
Main image: Malay Mail
